Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship

Description
The programme “Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship K-BiREF ” is a fellowship programme to attract well-trained and highly skilled researchers with a good track record Indian nationals working abroad in various frontier areas in biotechnology biomedical sciences, agriculture, veterinary science, bioengineering, energy, environment, bioinformatics, and other related areas to research and academic institutions in Kerala, by providing them an attractive opportunity to pursue research and development in biotechnology. Applications will be screened by an Expert Committee and shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

Benefits
• Fellow entitled for a monthly remuneration of ₹1,00,000/- and ₹18,500/- as HRA per month.
• Annual research /contingency grant of ₹7.5 lakh each for the first and second year and ₹ 5 lakh each for the subsequent 3 years.
• Host Institution may provide medical benefits, transport allowance, and other benefits as per the prevailing norms applicable to their employees of the equivalent rank out of their own resources/ funds.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should possess a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree and at least three years of post-doctoral research experience in premier research laboratories abroad with an outstanding track record of research in biotechnology-related areas as reflected in publications and other recognitions.
2. Only candidates (Indian nationals) working overseas who are below 45 years of age are eligible; relaxable for 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST/PH candidates.
3. The fellowship is tenable at any reputed institution in Kerala.

Application Process
Step 1: The Scientist-in-charge
Kerala Biotechnology Commission
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE),
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004
Telephone: (0471) 2548406, 2548254,
E-mail: [email protected]…
Online

The Scientist-in-charge
Kerala Biotechnology Commission
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE),
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004
Telephone: (0471) 2548406, 2548254,
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Required Documents
• Identity proof of applicant
• Passport size photographs
• Educational certificates
• Community Certificate for SC/ST/OBC applicants (If applicable)
• Disability certificate (If applicable)
• "Terms & Conditions”, duly signed
• [Certificate from the Host Institution](https://kscste.kerala.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/K-BIREF_certificate_HostInstitution.pdf)

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship” programme?
A: The programme "Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship (K-BiREF)" is a fellowship programme to attract well-trained and highly skilled researchers with a good track record (Indian nationals) working abroad in various frontier areas in biotechnology (biomedical sciences, agriculture, veterinary science, bioengineering, energy, environment, bioinformatics, and other related areas) to research and academic institutions in Kerala, by providing them an attractive opportunity to pursue research and development in biotechnology.

Q: Who is eligible to get the benefits under the programme?
A: The only candidates (Indian nationals) working overseas are eligible to apply under the programme.

Q: What should be the minimum educational qualification required to apply for the programme?
A: The applicants should possess a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree and at least three years of post-doctoral research experience in premier research laboratories abroad with an outstanding track record of research in biotechnology-related areas as reflected in publications and other recognitions are eligible to apply.

Q: What is the age criterion to apply under the programme?
A: The candidates should be below 45 years of age and relaxable for 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST/PH candidates.

Q: What is the monthly remuneration given to fellow?
A: Fellow entitled for a monthly remuneration of [?]1,00,000/- and [?]18,500/- as HRA per month.

Q: What is the annual research /contingency grant given under the programme?
A: Annual research /contingency grant of [?]7.5 lakh each for the first and second year and [?] 5 lakh each for the subsequent 3 years.

Q: Is the fellowship taxable?
A: Yes, the fellowship is taxable under Govt. of India rules.

Q: What are the other benefits provided to eligible candidates?
A: Host Institution may provide medical benefits, transport allowance, and other benefits to the eligible fellow as per the prevailing norms applicable to their employees of the equivalent rank out of their own resources/ funds.

Q: How can an applicant apply for the programme?
A: The applications are invited through advertisement and to be submitted online when notified.

Q: What is the procedure for selection of an applicant under the programme?
A: Applications will be screened by an expert committee consisting of experts nominated by the Commission. Short-listed candidates will have to appear for an interview /presentation which can be either in person or through Skype or similar tele-mode. Selected candidates have to execute an agreement accepting the terms and conditions of the Award and must join the Host Institution within three months' time.